The most crucial element of a lively, lovable, sustainable city is often overlooked. I am talking about sidewalks, which are essential to creating a vibrant streetlife. Here's a handy visual guide to brining sidewalks alive— #SocialLifeProject

Luxembourg Gardens in Paris is arguably the best gathering spot for socializing anywhere in the world. It's secret? Something so ordinary you might not even notice—moveable chairs that can be adapted for many uses. #SocialLifeProject

A safe middle-ground has been overlooked in the raging debate over whether schools should open this fall—holding some classes outdoors. Turning schoolyards into learning labs offers many other benefits too. Improved academic performance and much more—

How an Australian Window-washer changed the world. David Engwicht describes his remarkable journey revolutionizing how we think about what makes a great community. #SocialLifeProject

Green parties now hold or share power in the city halls of France's biggest cities. They ran on issues like better public transit and less favoritism toward cars.

Those places where the indoors meet the outdoors—sidewalk tables, parklets, stoops etc.—hold the key to reviving our social life yet keeping us safe. Covid transmission is much less in in the open air. Here's how to do it. #SocialLifeProject

I just published Challenges (and Opportunities) Facing American Cities Coming Out of the Pandemic

Zoom happy hours and family reunionsare good as far as they go—but ultimately feel like tepid substitutes for genuine interaction in the same way virtual dating does: We are wired for flesh-and-blood connection. #SocialLifeProject

The spot where George Floyd was suffocated to death has become a sacred space. The community itself closed the streets—to gather, mourn, express anger. While violence flares nearby, this place is peaceful. A model to copy. c https://buff.ly/2BnHEp8 #SocialLifeProject

Why is Barcelona one of the world's most beloved cities? In this valentine to his adopted hometown, George Semler (a Vietnam Vet lured to Spain as an ice hockey coach) lyrically outlines the city's lively qualities—and a few flaws. #SocialLifeProject

Protection from the virus does not have to mean grim social isolation. Here are seven ways you can safely maintain social connections: #sociallifeproject

Quarantine fatigue is a real threat. As people grow weary of social isolation, we need to give them a way to regain some of their social life while still staying healthy. Here's how:

We are hearing more and more quarantine fatigue. So now is the time to devise ways of physical distancing that allow social connections to flourish. Here are some ideas proven to work:

The next great idea to borrow from Italian culture is passeggiata—an evening stroll where the community comes out to talk, flirt and connect. Just what we will need after a long spell of physical distancing! My new article on Social Life #sociallifeproject

Americans everywhere are walking more, which could be the mark of a social life renaissance after the pandemic passes. Creating foot-friendly towns like Otranto, Italy, should be our aspiration. These stirring photos show why:

Here's an interesting argument that US doesn't need high-speed rail (a la France) but fast-enough rail in 11 regions. It would be much easier to build, and still get people out of cars and planes.

RT @PlacemakingX: "Public places are the heart and soul (and circulatory system) of any thriving community. Without them, we become lonely…

Great journalists find the stories others miss. That's exactly what Neal Peirce did—highlighting the importance of public space, local government, civic groups and kids' programs in people's lives when everyone else thought these were small potatoes.

It's not true that the only time rural people walk is between their pick-up truck and the Wal-Mart entrance. In fact, many small towns are embracing walkability as critical to their futures. Here are some examples from Vermont to Minnesota to Idaho:

The paradigm that cars rule the streets is beginning to crumble. First, NYC cleared most of them off busy 14th St with happy results. Now SF is doing the same with its widest thoroughfare, Market Street. NYC: SF: